Town releases 2018 Annual Report to the Community

The Town of Ponoka released its official 2018 Annual Report to the Community, which highlights some of the accomplishments of the previous year, on Aug. 14.

“The Annual Report to the Community invites citizens to take a look back and celebrate the many accomplishments and milestones Ponoka has achieved over the past year,” stated the release.

The report includes the redevelopment of the old hospital site and construction of the new civic building at the top-listed achievement, adding redeveloping the site also led to the construction of a new care home next door to the civic building.

The new care home is expected to employ up to 60 people.

In 2018, Ponoka saw more than $10 million in commercial, industrial, institutional and residential construction initiated within town, according to the town, which oversees the licensing and permitting processes for business and development.

The addition of a full organics composting program at no extra cost to residents was implemented after a review of the town’s curbside waste and recycling program, which was completed in 2018.

A new year-round motor oil recycling program was launched in 2018, resulting in 1,900 litres of motor oil being recycled last year.

A new skating trail and skating pond were developed in Lions Centennial Park as well as an expanded Christmas light display.

The town hosted several community events in 2018 including Family Day festivities, Canada Day celebrations and the fourth annual Ponoka Day in the Park.

“The Town looks forward to accomplishing much more in the year ahead,” said Mayor Rick Bonnett in the release.

“We will continue working together in partnership with local residents and businesses over the coming months through our many advisory boards and committees, and through public open houses and citizen engagement sessions to ensure Ponoka continues to be a place we are all proud to call home.”

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